Aristocracy: A Very Short Introduction

Description

Aristocracies dominated the social, economic, and institutional history of all European countries until only a few generations ago. William Doyle strips away the myths and beliefs which have always surrounded them, looking at how these very distinctive governing elites held onto power, and analyses when, how, and why they eventually lost it.

• Examines the definitions, structure, and behaviour of aristocracies, challenging some of the myths about them
• Analyses their origins and considers the wider impact of their behaviour
• Looks at the continuing influence of class to this day

About the Author(s)

William Doyle, Emeritus Professor of History and Senior Research Fellow, University of Bristol

Table of Contents

1:Meanings and entitlements
2:Myths and beliefs
3:Living nobly
4:Impacts and legacies
5:Aristocracy eclipsed
References
Further Reading

Reviews

"excellent introduction to the subject, clearly structured and packed with telling examples" - BBC History Magazine